talk: Militarized AI: the New Manhattan Project

The resurgence of great power competition, underpinned by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, necessitates a reevaluation of strategic doctrines akin to the urgency and innovation of the original Manhattan Project. This talk delves into the transformative integration of AI with autonomous combat units, examining historical analogs such as the impact of gunpowder in the Napoleonic Wars and the introduction of tanks and close air support during World War I, and juxtaposing these with the contemporary role of AI in warfare.

     We begin by exploring the dual-use nature of AI technologies, emphasizing their role in both enhancing combat effectiveness and posing significant ethical and security risks, as illustrated by recent developments in narrative warfare and the militarization of marketing strategies. Drawing parallels with the disruptive impacts of past technological advances, the presentation invites an evaluation of the strategic implications of autonomous warfare systems, discussing the potential consequences on global security dynamics.  Furthermore, the discussion extends to safeguarding democratic processes in the age of AI, where the integrity of elections is increasingly susceptible to AI-driven information warfare. The presentation outlines the development of virtual voting infrastructures and their vulnerabilities, highlighting the ongoing challenges in protecting electoral systems from manipulation.

     This examination advocates for robust ethical frameworks and international cooperation to harness AI's potential while mitigating its risks. By reflecting on historical technology shifts and forecasting future developments, the talk aims to widen the dialogue on the strategic, ethical, and policy dimensions necessary to navigate this new era of warfare and surveillance.

Justin M. Pelletier is a Professor of Practice and Director of the Cyber Range at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Dr. Pelletier teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the Department of Cyber Security within RIT’s Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. He also orchestrates security assessments for partner organizations and is the founding director for the NSA-funded National Consortium for Cyber Governance, Risk and Compliance, which is housed within RIT's ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute. He holds a PhD in Information Assurance and Security, an MBA in Entrepreneurship, and a BS in Computer Science. Prior to joining academia, Dr.  Pelletier was a civil servant in the intelligence community and a member of the modeling and simulations working group within the U.S. National Security Council. He is a combat veteran and currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S.  Army Reserve. Dr. Pelletier has authored more than three dozen scholarly articles, book chapters, and patents focused on security and information economics.